Mechanic's Lien Guide
Louisiana Mechanic's Lien Guide
Lien deadlines, notice requirements, and filing procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in Louisiana.
Louisiana Lien Deadlines
Preliminary Notice
Not requiredRecommended to send a non-statutory preliminary notice and include a request for Notice of Termination (aka NOT). If subcontractor receives the NOT, they know they have 60 days from the NOT recording date to file a lien.
Intent to Lien
Not requiredIf sent, this serves as a final warning notice. It is recommended to send 30 days from the lien deadline
Mechanic's lien
30 daysThe deadline to file a "Statement of Claim or Privilege" (aka Lien) is determined by whether a "Notice of Termination" has been filed by the owner or general contractor. A "Notice of Termination" establishes the date of substantial completion. Commercial or residential 5+ units: If a "Notice of Termination" is filed, the claimant must file the lien within 30 days of the "Notice of Termination" filing date. If not filed, the claimant must file the lien no later than 6 months after substantial completion. Residential (1-4 units): If a "Notice of Termination" is filed, the claimant must file the lien within 30 days of the "Notice of Termination" filing date. If no "Notice of Termination" is filed, the lien must be filed within 70 days from substantial completion or abandonment of the project. Enforcement must be initiated within 1 year from the date the lien was filed with the parish recorder of mortgages. Mechanic's liens cannot be extended in Louisiana.
Calculate your Louisiana Mechanics Lien Deadline
Your project
DISCLAIMER: These deadlines are pulled from recent lien laws, but you should consult a lien expert or lawyer to understand the deadlines specific to your situation.
Louisiana deadlines
Showing deadlines for a Subcontractor. Deadlines can vary by role.
Enter your project dates on the left to calculate exact deadline dates.
Mechanics Lien Filing
90 days from last furnishing (target); 60 days from substantial completion if project is ongoing; 30 days if a Notice of Commencement and a Notice of Termination are filed
Enter project dates to calculate
Enforcement (foreclosure)
1 year from filing of the lien (cannot be extended)
Calculated once you record the lien
Louisiana Lien Guide
Preliminary Notice & Notice of Intent
Preliminary Notice: General Contractor: If residential (1-4 dwellings in one structure), the general contractor must serve a "Notice of Lien Rights." If commercial (or residential with 4+ units) AND the project price is over $100,000, the general contractor must file and record a "Notice of Contract" (aka NOC) with the parish recorder of mortgages before work begins. At the end of the project, the general contractor must also record a "Notice of Termination" (aka NOT) with the parish recorder of mortgages (this sets the lien deadline for subcontractors and suppliers). Subcontractors: For most commercial projects, there is no formal preliminary notice required for subcontractors and suppliers to preserve their lien rights. However, it is still recommended, because when an optional preliminary notice is filed along with a request for Notice of Termination, it obligates the owner to inform you when a Notice of Termination is filed, which ensures you know the lien deadline and don't miss it. Suppliers (no labor/only materials provided): Notice of Nonpayment is required and must be delivered to the owner and general contractor within 75 days after the last day of the month in which materials were delivered. Equipment leasing (only leased equipment/no labor): Notice of Lease is required to be sent to the owner and general contractor within 10 days of delivery of equipment to the job site. Notice of Intent to Lien: It is optional to send a final warning notice. It should be sent within 30 days of the lien deadline.
Who Can File a Mechanic's Lien
Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and equipment lessors are entitled to mechanic's lien rights in Louisiana.
Who Gets the Notice
Notice is given to the project owner and general contractor.
Information Required
Information needed to file a mechanic's lien in Louisiana includes: - Project owner's name - Description of the property - Amount owed - Description of the work or materials - Claimant's information
Louisiana Public Works
In Louisiana, a mechanic's lien on public works projects is not available. Subcontractors can request a copy of the recordation of "Acceptance of the Work" from the public entity, and request a "Notice of Default" from the contractor. This will help you know when the 45 day deadline is to file a notice of claim. Material suppliers must send a Notice of Nonpayment on public jobs (same requirement as private jobs). Equipment lessors must send a Notice of Lease on public jobs (same requirement as private jobs). Notice of claim (aka "Sworn Statement of Amount Due") must be filed (recorded) within 45 days of project acceptance or notice of default by the contractor or subcontractor, and suit must be filed within 1 year of these dates.
Louisiana Lien Statutes
Official Resources
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